Terms and conditions
CateredSkiChalets.com is a trading division of the Dutch company Skichalets.nl Limited (since 1993) and is a fully-bonded member of the Dutch financial travel protection authority SGR, comparable with the ATOL/ABTOT in the United Kingdom. Book a chalet holiday with us with complete financial confidence. This Dutch Financial Guarantee Fund SGR provides financial security by way of a bond held in favour of the SGR under certificate number 3494. For further information, visit the SGR website: www.sgr.nl/english. SGR protection extends not only to our Dutch but also all our international guests. So in the unlikely event of our insolvency, the SGR will ensure to refund 100% of any money you have paid to us. We have provided a substantial amount to the SGR by a bank guarantee. An obligation is also to pay a significant annual membership fee and a monthly obliged contribution as well.
CateredSkiChalets.com is an under Skichalets.nl Ltd at The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Rotterdam registered company with the number 78683297. Your contract is with Skichalets.nl Ltd, the booking conditions applying to your contract with Skichalets.nl Ltd are set out below and have been deposited at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. The contractual partner for party leader and members of the party is the company Skichalets.nl Ltd.
Article 1 – Booking contract
- The party leader is the first named person on the booking and takes up the offered chalet or arrangement of Skichalets.nl Ltd, which expression shall include all persons on whose behalf the party leader books.
- The member of the party is the person on behalf of or for whom the party leader the offered chalet or arrangement has booked.
- Acceptance of the offered chalet or arrangement together with these terms and conditions form the basis of the booking contract. The acceptance could be verbal during a visit at our office, by telephone, by e-mail or by filling in the online booking form. By this acceptance is the booking definitive of the part of the party leader.
- A binding contract between Skichalets.nl Ltd and the party leader comes into existence by dispatching the confirmation invoice by e-mail.
- The party leader must be at least 18 and must be authorised to make the booking and is jointly liable for all (financial) obligations resulting from the booking contract and in respect of any of the members of the party.
- The party leader is also responsible for notifying Skichalets.nl Ltd at least two weeks prior to arrival the name, address, postcode, date of birth, passport- or identification number with validity date of party leader and all members of the party. Skichalets.nl Ltd has the legal obligation to inform the local tourist office and/or city hall about this at the day of arrival.
- Part of the booking contract is the obligation that the party leader and all members of the party have acquired a travel insurance, a medical emergency treatment insurance and a liability insurance (mostly at the home insurance).
- In accordance with EU regulations on consumer rights, this accommodation booking is not subject to the right of withdrawal.
Article 2 – Payment
- In order to confirm the booking a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the holiday, a booking charge of € 25,- per reservation, the tourist tax and the mandatory contribution of the Dutch financial security fund SGR of € 10,- per reservation are required seven days after receipt of the confirmation invoice by e-mail. Payment of any balance due for the cost of the holiday must be made at least six weeks before arrival.
- If the booking is within six weeks of arrival full payment of the total cost of the holiday, a booking charge of € 25,- per reservation, the tourist tax and the mandatory contribution of the Dutch financial security fund SGR of € 10,- per reservation are required one day after receipt of the confirmation invoice by e-mail in order to confirm the booking.
- The tourist tax will be charged in most cases on the confirmation invoice and in some cases payable in cash locally to the chalet staff. The amount of the tourist tax will be between € 1,50 and € 7,- per person per night. The local authorities determine the amount of the tourist tax and varies per holiday destination. Local authorities can increase the tariff at any time and if it appears that the tariff of the by you booked period is higher at the time of booking the additional amount will still be charged. Often children are exempt from the obligation to pay the tourist tax up to a certain age. The mode of accommodation Skichalets.nl Ltd offers is a combination of a hotel and an apartment and is not conventional. Therefore the amount of the tourist tax Skichalets.nl Ltd has to remit will not often be communicated on the website of the local authorities.
- Besides the tourist tax it can occur incidental that a municipal tax is payable locally to the chalet staff.
- In case of late or incomplete payment Skichalets.nl Ltd is not obliged to send first a reminder, then a notice (i.e. warning, admonition) and finally a notice of default (i.e. legal summons). Skichalets.nl Ltd is entitled to terminate the contract with immediate effect in which case the conditions of cancellation as set out in article 3 will apply. Already paid amounts will not be refunded and access to the chalet will not be granted. The chalet will be set on green in the reservation calendar on the website so that the chalet is available for reservation by others. By default collection costs (as well as collection agency fees), legal interest and costs of legal proceedings are borne by the party leader.
- Payment can be made by a bank transfer to our bank account NL81RABO0366842315 in the name of Skichalets.nl B.V. stating customer and reservation number. Skichalets.nl Ltd charges 2% if paid by credit card online by the website www.cateredskichalets.com.
- If two figures are given for the capacity of a chalet than the lower figure is the ideal comfortable occupancy. The higher figure is the total number of beds available. By booking a whole chalet the price will be based on the lower figure. By booking above this lower figure a discount applies for compensation for the inconvenience of limited space and that sanitary facilities should be shared with more. This discount is 30% for an adult, children under 1 year of age are staying for free, children aged 1 up to and including 3 years old pay € 250,- and 30% discount for children aged 4 up to and including 10 years old. The discount applies only for full booked weeks and if all communication and payment come from the party leader. If the party leader is asking for partial invoices, € 25,- per invoice will be charged.
- If not the whole chalet is booked, but one or more rooms, children under 1 year of age are staying for free, children aged 1 up to and including 3 years old will benefit from paying € 250,- and for children aged 4 up to and including 10 years old enjoy 30% discount when sharing a room with two full paying persons.
- When by booking a whole chalet the occupancy is below the lower figure the discount is € 100,- per unused bed. This applies only for the empty beds up to and including the required lower figure.
- A discount of € 75,- will be provided per person per week by booking within 4 weeks of your return. € 50,- discount per person per week by booking between 4 and 10 weeks after return. € 35,- discount per person per week by booking 10 weeks after return. The discount only applies by booking a whole chalet up to and including the required lower figure.
- No administration and booking fees will be charged for amendments and additional bookings.
Article 3 – Cancellation conditions
- In order to cancel a booking, written notice must be given to Skichalets.nl Ltd by e-mail via info@skichalets.nl or or by registered letter at Skichalets.nl B.V., Leeghwaterstraat 2, 2811 DV Reeuwijk The Netherlands.
- The following cancellation charges will be payable:
– up to 16 weeks before arrival 25% of the total cost of the holiday, booking charge, the tourist tax and the mandatory contribution of the Dutch financial security fund SGR;
– between 16 and 3 weeks before arrival 90% of the total cost of the holiday, booking charge, the tourist tax and the mandatory contribution of the Dutch financial security fund SGR;
– within 3 weeks before arrival (including this day of arrival) total of the total cost of the holiday, booking charge, the tourist tax and the mandatory contribution of the Dutch financial security fund SGR.
The above mentioned cancellation periods are calculated from the date your written notification of cancellation is received in our office. - It is possible to meet the request that if any member of the party has cancelled, the person concerned may transfer their place to someone else. This request will only be effective when it is received in writing by Skichalets.nl Ltd at the office and also when Skichalets.nl Ltd has sent a confirmation of acceptance in writing.
- If a whole chalet has been booked and the booking is above the lower figure, by cancellation the cost of the holiday per person will be minus and in sequence of the at article 2 paragraph 6 initially provided discount as the basis for the in paragraph 2 set out percentages and therefore not the full cost of the holiday.
- If a whole chalet has been booked and a member of the party wishes to cancel, this may mean that the chalet booked will be under-occupied and result in the other members having to pay any additional applicable supplements. Where any cancellation reduces the number of full paying party members below the number on which the price, number of reduced places and/or any concessions agreed for your booking were based, a new confirmation invoice will be issued.
- If a claim is made for a refund of any money paid at Skichalets.nl Ltd and Skichalets.nl Ltd has paid the party leader and party leader had also made a claim for a refund at the insurance company, verification will always take place by the insurance company of the party leader. The insurance company will always contact Skichalets.nl Ltd if a request has been submitted for a voucher or refund. In addition to criminal prosecution this insurance fraud will be announced at the database of the foundation by and for insurance companies and the party leader will be placed on a blacklist which can lead to refusal.
- If in case of cancellation Skichalets.nl Ltd has to refund any money paid by the party leader from a legal perspective and the party leader succeeds that the insurance company refunds whereby Skichalets.nl Ltd not has to refund the party leader, Skichalets.nl Ltd will give 20% discount on a next booking. The discount of 20% is based on the holiday price of the cancelled booking and is valid for redemption for the end of the winter season that follows the winter season to which the cancellation relates.
Article 4 – Changes
- Skichalets.nl Ltd is obliged to inform the party leader as soon as possible if there is a significant change in the booking contract.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd reserves the right to increase the holiday price unilateral and to change the arrangement if there is reason to do so.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd reserves the right to dissolve the booking contract unilateral at any time in which case the party leader will receive a full and quick refund of all monies paid.
- Reason for the decision to dissolve the booking contract unilateral could be that despite of an agreement with the owner of the chalet for whatever reason the owner of the chalet decides not to rent the chalet to Skichalets.nl Ltd. This is incidental, but it can happen. Skichalets.nl Ltd will do its utmost to find an alternative chalet within and outside the program and propose this alternative when it is found, but there is no obligation.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be held (financial) liable by party leader or member of the party for dissolving the booking contract unilateral. Higher costs of an alternative accommodation and immaterial damage like loss of holiday enjoyment cannot be claimed. Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability and no financial compensation will be provided for any services which do not form part of the booking contract. This includes for example any additional services or facilities like: costs of travel (e.g. toll, vignette, coach, train, flight, (airport)transfer, ferry, (Euro)tunnel), overnight stay, ski pass, ski and snowboard hire, ski and snowboard school, childcare, rental winter tires, rental rooftop cargo carrier, activities or excursions like ski guiding, tobogganing, fondue arrangement, snowmobiling.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability, pay any compensation or reimburse related costs of accommodation and transport in any way of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond control of Skichalets.nl Ltd like snowfall, avalanche danger, weather conditions, blockade causing inaccessibility of the chalet or local authorities decide inaccessibility of the holiday destination and/or the chalet, or local authorities decide that the chalet has to be left or party leader and/or member of the party decide to leave the chalet or not to travel to the holiday destination.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability if a geopolitical decision causes partial or complete closure of the supply of gas, oil and/or electricity, by for example Russia, to the holiday destination where the booked chalet is situated and therefore insufficient or no heat and electricity supply occurs. By cancelling the standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed.
- It may occur that other guests during the stay have paid a lower price for the same arrangement and same period. Skichalets.nl Ltd reserves the right to decrease prices at any given time. The situation could also be that one day after booking party leader could be confronted with a lower price by visiting the website of Skichalets.nl Ltd.
Article 5 – Liability
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability for damages for which party leader has taken out the mandatory travel insurance, medical emergency treatment insurance and the liability insurance.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft resulting to personal belongings, money or equipment.
- Responsibility cannot be accepted for damage to parked cars or belongings left in parked cars. Not even for damage to parked cars caused by snow fall from the roof of the chalet.
- If a booked holiday has to be cancelled before arrival or has to be ended during the holiday by an event beyond control (i.e. force majeure) Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd does not accept liability for promises of the chalet staff in so far not confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of Skichalets.nl Ltd at the office in The Netherlands.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept liability in respect of anything that happens outside the scope of this booking contract like closed ski lifts by weather conditions or other closed facilities by unforeseen circumstances.
- With the utmost attention Skichalets.nl Ltd will pass on any request of the party leader concerning a diet, vegetarian, a lactose intolerance, gluten-free, a food allergy or intolerence and try to meet them but cannot guarantee to do so. Any of these requirements must be adviced in writing at the time of booking. The request will be shown on the confirmation invoice to signify the request has been made but this is not an indication that it can be fulfilled. A supplement of € 100,- per person per week could be charged to cover additional costs. The chalet staff shall exercise reasonable care to avoid specified food and drink ingredients if special diets are agreed at the time of booking and confirmed in writing as above. We cannot cater for anyone with an airborne nut allergy or anyone who is allergic to even traces of nut. It is impossible to guarantee that any ingredients from our suppliers are free of any nut traces at all or that they have been handled in a nut-free environment. Nor are we able to cater for a low FODMAP diet for example. However, in choosing to book at Skichalets.nl Ltd you accept the following facts that the chalet staff involved in catering, including children’s meals, are generally not qualified catering professionals; that no food allergy system can ever provide a 100% guarantee against any contact with a specified foodstuff; that items such as eggs, dairy products and nuts are constantly present in chalet kitchens and dining areas, so cross-contamination cannot be eliminated; that the chalet staff cannot police what snacks third parties, including other guests’ children, may bring into contact with the allergic person; that the chalet staff may not be aware of precise food contents (where they do not speak the language in which the ingredients are labelled, for example); the chalet staff cannot police lunches provided by ski schools. We therefore cannot and do not guarantee the avoidance of specified ingredients and you accept that in the event of any dissatisfaction with special dietary arrangements, including the occurance of an allergic reaction, the liability of Skichalets.nl Ltd, if any, shall be limited to a refund of the special diet supplement paid. Where a food allergy is so severe that the slightest exposure to the substance in question could cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction (for example where a reaction may be triggered other than by actually eating the foodstuff, such as by smell alone, or by minute trace elements on the hands of a chalet staff member or another person), an advice must be giving to Skichalets.nl Ltd in writing of the severe nature of the allergy at the time of booking. We then reserve the right to advise that, in the considered view, the controls Skichalets.nl Ltd is able to implement in the chalet environment are insufficient to guarantee safety in which case should be choosen to proceed with the booking it is entirely at the risk of the party leader and would be asked to confirm this in writing in order to confirm the booking. If the party leader fails to advise Skichalets.nl Ltd of a known extreme allergy at the point of booking the party leader will be in breach of contract and Skichalets.nl Ltd will therefore have no liability at all-in the event of any incident.
- All rights to claim and powers of the party leader towards Skichalets.nl Ltd in connection with Skichalets.nl Ltd services rendered expire as soon as a period of three months has elapsed after the day on which the party leader became known or could reasonably have been aware of the facts on which the claim is based.
Article 6 – Damage
- The party leader accepts responsibility for any damage or loss caused by the party leader and member of the party, either intentionally or unintentionally. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid directly by a bank transfer to Skichalets.nl Ltd on the holiday destination. By failing to do so, the party leader will be responsible for meeting any claims (indluding legal costs) subsequently made against Skichalets.nl Ltd as a result of the actions of the party leader. Skichalets.nl Ltd has unfettered right to terminate all further performance of this contract without prior notice, including leaving the chalet and Skichalets.nl Ltd has no liability whatsoever to pay compensation or make any refunds or make alternative accommodation or transport arrangements incurred as a result of the termination.
- If the actual cost of the damage or loss exceeds the amount estimated, the difference once known must paid. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded.
Article 7 – Conduct
Skichalets.nl Ltd expects all guests to have consideration for each other. If in reasonable opinion of Skichalets.nl Ltd or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, the party leader or member of the party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party like other guests or is threathening, disruptive or abusive towards the chalet staff, or damage to property, Skichalets.nl Ltd is entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the chalet or other service. Skichalets.nl Ltd has no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and no expenses will be paid or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
Article 8 – WiFi internet
- Skichalets.nl Ltd has the agreement with the chalet owners that the internet connection has to be good with access points. Because the holiday destination is the Alps and WiFi internet is not fibre optic but ADSL broadband, the coverage is less good, on busy locations capacity problems occur and when every device in the chalet is connected it can be slow, but the internet is the best on offer in the Alps.
- WiFi internet is normally provided for holiday purposes and is therefore not suitable for business use or similar.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd will not guarantee that WiFi internet will be available all the time, nor guarantee speed, compatibility and security. As a result, you will be responsible for taking adequate security measures for your devices.
- Use may be restricted. Use of the WiFi internet is at the user’s own risk. Applicable laws must be observed when using WiFi internet. In particular, the user will be obliged to refrain from downloading files or accessing data containing material (e.g. films, music) protected by copyright but which are nevertheless illegally disseminated in the internet via file-sharing networks or similar. Likewise, there is no permission to download files with criminal content or using illegal means. In the event that a culpable breach is committed, as stipulated in this text under the heading WiFi internet, the user shall indemnify Skichalets.nl Ltd from all third-party claims.
Article 9 – Special requests
We will pass on any special requests and try to meet them but cannot guarantee to do so. Your special request will be shown on your confirmation invoice to signify your request has been made but this is not an indication that it can be fullfilled. Special requests do not form part of our contractual agreement and we will have no liability if they are not met. Any special requests you have such as vegetarian or other special dietary meals, childcare, special facilities, specific room allocations or any other requirements you consider important, should be made known to us at the time of booking and advised to us in writing promptly. If you require the fullfilment of your request to be a condition of your contract with us, this can only be done if you advise us in writing and our suppliers agree they can meet your request and we confirm this to you in writing, separately to the confirmation invoice.
Article 10 – Drinks
- Included in the holiday price are drinks like beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea, with the exception of of spirits.
- If dinner is served in a restaurant instead of the chalet, drinks are not included the stay in the restaurant. The party leader has to pay the restaurant after dinner. Upon return to the chalet drinks are for free again.
- A budgetary and ethical norm for alcohol consumption will be applied. When exceeding this norm Skichalets.nl Ltd reserves the right of informing this high level of consumption and charge additional costs.
- It is not allowed to take drinks for outside consumption.
Article 11 – Third parties
Booked arrangements by Skichalets.nl Ltd like catering in the chalet by a catering company and coach, train, flight, transfer to the chalet are operated by third parties and therfore beyond responsibility of Skichalets.nl Ltd. Skichalets.nl Ltd acts as an agent for these services and the conditions of the company will apply. Skichalets.nl Ltd shall not be liable for default of the third party.
Article 12 – Sauna, hot-tub bubble bath, log fireplace (if available in the chalet)
- Instructions, rules and safety recommendations for the permitted and limited use of the sauna, hot-tub bubble bath and log fireplace will be given by the chalet staff and Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot stress strongly enough the importance of being aware of this. It is the sole responsibility of the party leader and the member of the party to follow these provided information and children under the age of sixteen years must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Use of sauna, hot-tub bubble bath and log fireplace is for the risk of the party leader and the member of the party and therefore Skichalets.nl Ltd accepts no responsibility for accidents or injuries sustained while using these facilities.
- The chalet staff are solely authorized to activate the sauna, hot-tub bubble bath and log fireplace.
- Pregnant women and children under sixteen are not permitted to use a sauna under Austrian, French and Italian law.
- Take extra care when entering or exiting an outdoor hot-tub bubble bath in sub-zero temperatures.
- Please note that for at least one day a hot-tub bubble bath and sauna will be cleaned and therefore may not be available for use.
- Before entering the hot-tub bubble bath shower before entering and do not use any shampoos, soaps, or gels, since the use of these often cause problems with filtration and water purity and often result in closure for deep cleaning and maintenance.
- Drinking of alcohol is not recommended when using the hot-tub bubble bath and no glass may be taken into the vicinity of the hot-tub bubble bath.
- A hot-tub bubble bath can be dangerous if used without due care and attention. For example, to avoid the danger of drowning or injury do not use the hot-tub bubble bath when intoxicated.
- The hot-tub bubble bath may not be used with infectious diseases.
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before use the hot-tub bubble bath.
- A maximum of twenty minutes immersion in the hot-tub bubble bath is advised as any longer may cause health problems.
- The chalet staff reserve the right to close the hot-tub bubble bath should there be any misuse of the facility, or should the need to service arise.
- Should sauna, hot-tub bubble bath and log fireplace become unavailable for any reason we cannot guarantee being able to repair or replace it during the holiday and Skichalets.nl Ltd does not offer compensation for inconvenience or curtailed use in such an event.
Article 13 – Dinner in restaurant
- On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve the restaurant may incur an extra charge after dinner because of a more extensive menu or it can happen that there is no possibility to dine. This evening should be considered as the one day off in the standard week arrangement of six evening meals. Skichalets.nl Ltd does not offer compensation for inconvenience in such an event.
- It could happen that dinner does not exist of three courses because a regional dish is served like raclette or fondue.
- During holiday it could happen that dinner will be served in another restaurant than informed by booking.
Article 14 – Ski pass, ski hire and ski school
It could be possible to receive a discount by organising the ski pass, ski hire and ski school by the chalet staff. For this booked service, the contract will be with the supplier and not with the chalet staff and not with Skichalets.nl Ltd. The chalet staff and Skichalets.nl Ltd will have no liability for these. This decision is entirely at the discretion and risk of the party leader or member of the party.
Article 15 – Stay in chalet information
- The travel documents will be dispatched a few weeks befor arrival if final payment has been received. In here that the party leader has to contact the chalet staff about the indicative time of arrival. Not complying with this request can never cause a default from Skichalets.nl Ltd if the chalet may not be fully cleaned or all beds are not made and fit for normal use.
- On the day of arrival checking into the chalet after 04.00pm and on the day of departure the chalet must be vacated by 10.00am.
- All our chalets are selected with care on the basis of general comfort, convenience and facilities. As they are often peoples mountain homes, they cannot be compared to hotels. The size, décor, soundproofing and furnishing of the chalets can differ markedly, even the rooms within the same chalet. A degree of tolerance of plumbing, electrics, hot water supplies, space and ratios of comfy chairs to guests. Occasionally beds may be against a wall, there may not always be a WC on each floor, rooms sizes may vary and not all rooms have lockable doors. Furnishing and storage space may also vary. Storage space is limited, often to small wardrobe (rarely drawers). Cabin beds are those built into or against a wall. Supplies of hot water are not endless, so stagger bath and shower times and consider other guests in the chalet. As at home, from time to time things may go wrong and patience is important as it may not always be possible to repair or replace items immediately e.g. plumbing, furniture especially over national holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year, although Skichalets.nl Ltd will always do the best to do so.
- It is not allowed to use the kitchen, even not on the chalet staff day off. Exception could probably be made by mutual agreement with the office of Skichalets.nl Ltd and upon acceptance the confirmation by Skichalets.nl Ltd will only be by e-mail.
- Skichalets.nl Ltd does not permit animals in the chalets. Exception could probably be made for one dog with a maximum height of forty centimeters and with a booking of the whole chalet by mutual agreement with the office of Skichalets.nl Ltd and upon acceptance the confirmation by Skichalets.nl Ltd will only be by e-mail and a € 75,- charge will be payable.
- Whatever arrangement, excursion, activity, for free or against payment, organized by the chalet staff or through a third party executed but via the chalet staff arranged excursion, activity, arrangement such as ski and snowboard clinic, ski guiding, torchlit descent, snowmobile riding, tobogganing, curling, guided snow-shoe walks, après-ski evening, childcare that do not form any part of the contract with Skichalets.nl Ltd is always in a personal capacity of the chalet staff and therefore not executed in their capacity as employee of Skichalets.nl Ltd. The chalet staff are acting with this arrangement, excursion, activity, on is own behalf and not on behalf of Skichalets.nl Ltd. Skichalets.nl Ltd has no involvement in any such arrangements, excursions and activities which are neither run, supervised nor controlled in any way by Skichalets.nl Ltd. The aforementioned activities are not connected with the provision of the booked standard arrangement and therefore are beyond the scope of the contract between party leader and Skichalets.nl Ltd. No responsibility for accidents or injuries will be accepted by Skichalets.nl Ltd. All winter sports activities involve an element of risk and it is the responsibility of the party leader and member of the party to act with due care at all times and to have appropriate insurance in place.
- The chalet may also be home to the chalet staff and they may therefore have to share the chalet facilities. In a small number of instances the chalet staff may be sharing some of the bathroom facilities, using the communal living and dining room and eating with the guests. A degree of tolerance is needed.
- Members of the chalet owner’s family may occupy parts of the building.
- Although there may be parking at or close by the chalet a guarantee cannot be given. Snowfalls can restrict access and clear it, is not always possible. There could be limited amount of car parking at the chalet and even not guaranteed. Sometimes the chalet staff may have to charge supplements for parking.
- Charging a battery of an electric car is not included in the holiday price. Because this is not allowed and nevertheless the electric infrastructure of the chalet will be used, € 200,- has to be made in cash to the chalet staff.
- The chalet staff will check at arrival the real number of members of the party. If there are more members than invoiced the rights become extinct and access to the chalet is denied.
- It could be that there is no suitable photos of the interior and exterior of the chalet. In that case photos could differ from reality. Photos of rooms are intended to give an indication of the general appearance, but will inevitably vary in shape, size or style, particularly where there has been partial refurbishment. It is also possible that a fictional name is used for the chalet in the communication.
- In the interest of fire, safety regulations, hygiene and comfort of other guests all chalets are non-smoking, whether inside or immediately outside the premises. It is not permitted to smoke outside the door or on balconies. Smokers must move a distance away from the chalet. A guest who breaches this policy will be liable to pay € 100,- for additional deep-cleaning and will be held liable for any other consequential damages sought against Skichalets.nl Ltd by its other guests and/or chalet owners. Specific smoking areas outside the premises will be advised by the chalet staff.
Article 16 – Complaints
Any complaint arising during the stay must be brought immediately to the attention of the chalet staff, because something could be done about this at that moment during holiday, to put things right afterwards is not possible anymore. If the chalet staff won’t do anything about the complaint or cannot do anything about it onsite, or after aiming to resolve the problem there is dissatisfaction, only party leader, and not any member of the party, must contact the office of Skichalets.nl Ltd in The Netherlands. If after intervention of the Dutch office there is still dissatisfaction party leader must ask the chalet staff for a complaint form and complete this form in resort so all parties are clear on the precise nature of the issues involved. In order to validate this complaint, this complaint form must be signed by party leader and chalet staff. The signature of the chalet staff in no way implies that the chalet staff agree what is written by party leader. At least within twenty-eight days beginning on the day of return stated on the confirmation invoice, the complaint together with the onsite completed and signed complaint form must be sent by e-mail to info@skichalets.nl or by registered letter. If party leader fails to follow this procedure, the complaint will not be handled and therefore Skichalets.nl Ltd shall never be liable for breach of contract and Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be liable to pay any compensation. Even Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be held responsible by possible promises made by the chalet staff that have not been confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of Skichalets.nl Ltd. As stated before, the complaint shall be expressed purely in writing and Skichalets.nl Ltd shall purely respond in writing via e-mail or registered letter, not hower via WhatsApp, and aims to do this within twenty-eight days after reception of the complaint.
Article 17 – Information accuracy
All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that all information published like on the website, in a newsletter, on social media, in a brochure, on printed material are given in good faith, based on information believed to be correct at the time. Skichalets.nl Ltd does not accept responsibility or liability for regrettably occasionally occured errors.
Article 18 – Booking next winter season
- If the holiday price for next winter season is not known yet, a provisional confirmation invoice will be sent based on the latest known holiday price. When the final holiday price is determined at a later stage, the final confirmation invoice will be sent. When the holiday price has risen by more than 15% it is possible to cancel the booking free of cancellation fees within seven days after the date of sending of the final confirmation invoice and only under the condition that a written notice must be given by e-mail via info@skichalets.nl or by registered letter and Skichalets.nl Ltd will be refunding any money paid immediately. If party leader does not react on this more than 15% increase of the holiday price than the party leader has accepted this increase.
- By booking far ahead, account should be taken of amendments like a possible change of the layout of the chalet, the arrangement, the duration of the arrangement, terms and conditions compared with the time of booking. For whatever reason the chalet concerned could not be in the program for next winter season. Skichalets.nl Ltd is party leader no text and explanation owed why the chalet will not be offered and no rights may be derived from the booking. When the chalet cannot be offered, party leader shall not be entitled to an alternative chalet. Skichalets.nl Ltd will do its utmost to find an alternative chalet within and outside the program and propose this alternative when it is found, but there is no obligation. Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be held (financial) liable by party leader or member of the party for dissolving the booking contract unilateral. Higher costs of an alternative accommodation and immaterial damage like loss of holiday enjoyment cannot be claimed. Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot accept (financial) liability and no financial compensation will be provided for any services which do not form part of the booking contract. This includes for example any additional services or facilities like: costs of travel (e.g. toll, vignette, coach, train, flight, (airport)transfer, ferry, (Euro)tunnel), overnight stay, ski pass, ski and snowboard hire, ski and snowboard school, childcare, rental winter tires, rental rooftop cargo carrier, activities or excursions like ski guiding, tobogganing, fondue arrangement, snowmobiling. Skichalets.nl Ltd has the obligation to refund any money paid by the party leader immediately.
Article 19 – COVID-19
- This article 19 relates to the consequences of COVID-19 because this is a topical issue, however in the near future account will also have to be taken of epidemics and or pandemics by influenza virus, rhinovirus, RS-virus and zoonosen which may result in high numbers of hospital admissions and increased mortality which could led to restrictions or even lockdowns by the authorities for the booked wintersports holiday.
- It is a condition that the party leader and all members of the party obtain a travel insurance, a medical emergency treatment insurance and a damage to holiday rental accommodation insurance. Nowadays a lot of travel insurance companies cover cancellation fees in regards to COVID-19 so please get well informed. Check the current travel and cancellation insurance documents for the COVID-19 policy to ensure there will be coverage in the event that it is unable to travel due to COVID-19. Skichalets.nl Ltd is not allowed to suggest, to advice and to sell travel insurances but Skichalets.nl Ltd recommend the travel insurance with additional comprehensive COVID-19 cover of Campbell Irvine Direct (www.campbellirvinedirect.com). In addition to covering medical emergency treatment overseas if diagnosed with COVID-19, the cancellation cover of this insurance will also cover if the trip has to cancelled if formally diagnosed with COVID-19 and advised not to travel or if party leader and/or members of the party are denied boarding. The extensive cover of Campbell Irvine Direct also includes cancellation due to confirmed direct exposure to COVID-19 via the NHS test and trace programme and being advised not to travel. Another recommendation is the coronavirus travel insurance of Staysure (www.staysure.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-insurance). Staysure has a cancellation cover with a protection before travel and also during holiday. If tested positive for COVID-19 by cancelling the holiday Skichalets.nl Ltd will impose the standard cancellation charges according to article 3. Check the travel insurance documents for the COVID-19 policy if the cancellation fees could be covered by the travel insurance company and the possibility of claiming these costs back.
- Inform at the in paragraph 2 mentioned insurance companies that what has been communicated in this paragraph 2 is still relevant because it could be that this information is dated en Skichalets.nl Ltd is not authorized by law to recommend insurance products. Therefore Skichalets.nl Ltd cannot be held liable legally and financially for the information provided and the choice party leader and member of the party have made for any insurance product from any insurance company.
- Various regulations, whether lawful or not, imposed by a government body like a border control authority, a local authority and even non-gouvernmental organizations as an airline, an airport, a port, a ski pass organization, both as in the home/return country and as the abroad country, as well national, regional and local are applicable at the moment of starting travelling and it is the responsibility of the party leader and members of the party to be fully aware of these regulations and to meet all travel requirements and if some aspects are not in order these have to be arranged before arrival. Like an EU Digital COVID Certificate. Not willing to comply to the required regulations is a personal choice and the consequences fall within the personal risk sphere and in this context cancelling the holiday our standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed. Skichalets.nl Ltd would recommend checking the travel insurance documents for the COVID-19 policy so the cancellation fees could be covered by the travel insurance company and the possibility of claiming these costs back from the travel insurance. Due to the constantly evolving nature of the COVID-19 crisis regulations from governments or various authorities, both in the home/return country and in the abroad country, as well national, regional and local could alter day by day and to avoid problems at the chosen holiday destination Skichalets.nl Ltd would highly recommend that the party leader and all members of the party keep up to date to the home/return country’s government’s requirements to travel and the variance in requirements from country to county. Therefore consult below.
Sherpa
World Health Organization
Austria as holiday destination:
Austrian national tourist office
Austrian government
Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Austrian hotel association
Austrian tourist office
France as holiday destination:
France national tourist office
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Italy as holiday destination:
Italian tourism portal
Province Trentino tourist office
Italian Ministry of Health - According to paragraph 4, regulations could be that:
1. only vaccinated travellers have entry to the holiday destination;
2. there is a compulsory quarantine on arrival for travellers who are not vaccinated;
3. the travel advice for the holiday destination is being adjusted to a yellow or a green colour code;
4. at the start of the winter season the holiday destination requires more vaccinations and additionally a booster to allow access to the country, to stay there, to buy a ski pass, to go to a bar, a restaurant or activity and to avoid undergoing compulsory quarantine on arrival;
5. the holiday destination requires that if legal vaccination requirements are not met, frequently like every other 24 hours must present a negative result proof of a PCR-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 in order to get a ski pass, access to the accommodation, go to a bar, restaurant etc.;
6. the holiday destination only accept the vaccine of one specific pharmacist like for example Pfizer;
7. if additionally a vaccine is required, inclusive a booster, if the QR-code of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is visible in the home/return country, however that vaccine is from the pharmacist Johnson & Johnson/Janssen the QR-code will not be accepted to access the holiday destination;
8. if additionally a vaccine is required, inclusive a booster, if the QR-code of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is visible in the home/return country because party leader and/or a member of the party have had coronavirus complemented by one vaccine, however this will not be accepted to access the holiday destination;
9. if unexpected an extra vaccine is required like a booster and even if this has been communicated very shortly before arrival, everything has to be done to meet these requirements and if this fails in the immediate vicinity an appointment has to be made at a national vaccination site of a vaccination site accross the border of the home/return country where this vaccine is more available than in the home/return country;
10. the period of validity of proof of vaccination will be shortened;
11. the age for mandatory vaccination will be adjusted downward;
12. if party leader and/or a member of the party have had coronavirus and complemented it with one vaccine and in the home/return country this has been met with the legal requirements as fully vaccinated, but this will not meet the requirements of the holiday destination;
13. a ‘passenger locator form’ has to be completed online before travel;
14. an adjustment in the travel advice by the government of the home/return country to a orange colour code does not automatically mean that will be a right to a refund of any money paid or that a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage will be proposed; Skichalets.nl Ltd will judge the situation if staying at the holiday destination could be safe and responsible;
15. the holiday destination requires a carbon dioxide (CO2) monitor in the accommodation that display levels of CO2 and a normal ventilated space should be between 400 ppm (i.e. parts per million) 450 ppm and with readings above 800 ppm indicating poor ventilation with the risk of airborne transmission of possible aerosols, so windows have to be opened for refreshing the air. - Skichalets.nl Ltd is not responsible and we do not accept under any circumstances liability of party leader and members of the party if not is met the requirements of the country of transit and the country of holiday destination like an unlawful act (including negligence), breach of legal duty or otherwise for any loss, damage, liabilities, claims, costs or charges.
- If the holiday destination has the travel advice by the government of the home/return country of a green colour code the security risks are equal to the situation as in the home/return country, but entry restrictions for travellers specifically from home/return country of party leader and members of the party could exist. Cancelling the holiday is in this case a personal choice and the consequences fall within the personal risk sphere and the standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed.
- If the holiday destination has the travel advice by the government of the home/return country of a yellow colour code the security risks are different to the situation as in the home/return country, but entry restrictions for travellers specifically from home/return country of party leader and members of the party could exist. Cancelling the holiday is in this case a personal choice and the consequences fall within the personal risk sphere and the standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed.
- If the holiday destination has a negative travel advice by the government of the home/return country with an orange colour code the party leader as well take the decision to continue the holiday, after all it is an advice. The risk of infection could even be lower at the holiday destination. The travel insurance, the medical emergency treatment insurance and cancellation insurance cover nowadays more COVID-19 related issues. To be sure, inquire at insurance company. Many insurance companies cover medical treatment costs in relation to COVID-19 till the first possible moment of returning home. Many insurance companies cover travel and accommodation costs at severe illness during holiday and approved by the emergency medical service. With an orange colour code could also opt for judgement at 48 hours before arrival for an alternative accommodation within the program. If such an alternative is not available this does not imply that Skichalets.nl Ltd cancell the holiday with automatically the right to a refund of any money already paid or offering a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage because in such a case the situation will be judged if the stay at the holiday destination could be safe and responsible. If staying at the holiday destination would not be safe and responsible, there is a choice for a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage or a refund of any money already paid.
- If the holiday destination has a negative travel advice by the government of the home/return country with a red colour code Skichalets.nl Ltd will judge at 48 hours before arrival if there will be an alternative accommodation within the program. If such an alternative is not available the choice can be made between a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage and a refund of any money already paid.
- If the holiday destination has a negative travel advice by the government of the home/return country with a red colour code and the decision is made to travel and it is unlikely that the travel insurance cover a destination for which a decision has been taken by the government of the home/return country for only essential travelling Skichalets.nl Ltd will never be held liable if it concerns the contract, unlawful act (including negligence), breach of legal duty or otherwise for any loss, damage, liabilities, claims, costs or charges as a result of not in possession of a travel insurance which covers any occurring events.
- If the holiday destination has border measures and requirements Skichalets.nl Ltd will judge at 48 hours before arrival if there will be an alternative accommodation within the program or cancellation. This judgement will be based amongst other the advice of Ministry of Foreign Affaires, the national government, local government or an official authority where the accommodation is located. By cancelling the holiday the choice can be made between a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage and a refund of any money already paid.
- If the accommodation has to be closed, the ski lifts are not operational, borders of home/return and country of holiday destination will be closed, a lockdown or prohibition on travel in country of holiday destination, mandatory quarantine on arrival even by fully vaccination complemented by a booster and be in the possession of a negative result proof of a PCR-based test there is free cancellation and the choice can be made between a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage and a refund of any money already paid.
- If during the holiday the destination of holiday imposes restrictions with such an impact that continuing holiday is impossible, claim the loss for the unspent holiday days to the travel insurance company. Skichalets.nl Ltd can never be held juridical and financial liable for this and therefore there will be no refund of any money already paid or and no offering a voucher with the Dutch SGR-GuaranteeFundCoverage.
- Nowadays governments want that people take control themselves and therefore if the chalet staff have tested positive for coronavirus the party leader is not entitled to: require that the chalet staff should be quarantined, evict the chalet staff out of their accommodation, refund any money already paid, refund travel expenses, refund ski hire, refund ski pass, refund ski school, refund of book arrangements, demand default. If party leader and/or members of the party decide to cancell the holiday if the chalet staff have tested positive for coronavirus is in this case a personal choice and the consequences fall within the personal risk sphere and the standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed.
- If party leader and/or members are working in healthcare there is a chance that at the last moment the employer indicates not to take time off and therefore the holiday could not take place, the standard cancellation charges according to article 3 will be imposed.
- If party leader and/or members have tested positive for coronavirus at holiday destination contact must be made immediately with the emergency number of the travel insurance company. The travel insurance company will indicate how to get medical help at a doctor. Depending on the holiday destination mandatory quarantine on arrival could be required in the bedroom of the accommodation or a stay in a quarantaine hotel is obliged. Duration of quarantaine depends on the existing measures at the holiday destination. In many cases the local authorities take care of a quarantaine hotel and bear the costs. If these costs are not borne by the local authorities, these costs cannot be recovered from Skichalets.nl Ltd, so a good travel insurance which covers extra travel and accommodation costs due to coronavirus is strongly recommended.
- If a claim will be made on a voucher or refund of any money paid, Skichalets.nl Ltd must be informed at which insurance company the party leader has take out the mandatory travel insurance and the mandatory damage to holiday rental accommodation insurance. A written proof has to be must be handed over to Skichalets.nl Ltd showing that the insurance does not provide cover.
- All vouchers issued will not be date or accommodation specific.
- The person who is named on the voucher must redeem it. This will be the party leader’s name. The voucher cannot be resold, transferred for value or exchanged for cash.
- The voucher will be valid for redemption for the end of the winter season that follows the winter season to which the cancellation relates.
- Party leader has to request explicitly Skichalets.nl Ltd for a written voucher on physical official company letterhead writing paper of Skichalets.nl Ltd provided with the name of the party leader. A commitment by telephone or by e-mail is not valid as a voucher. Skichalets.nl Ltd can never be held juridical and financial liable for loss, theft or breakag of the voucher.
- When the voucher is used for a less amount than the amount stated on the voucher an outstanding balance voucher could be asked for. This outstanding balance voucher will also be valid for redemption for the end of the winter season that follows the winter season to which the cancellation relates.
- When the voucher is used to make a booking in a new season and the holiday is cancelled again due to COVID-19, once more the party leader could request explicitly Skichalets.nl Ltd for a written voucher. This new issued voucher is not guaranteed by the Dutch financial protection authority fund SGR.
- If a claim is made for a refund of any money paid at Skichalets.nl Ltd and Skichalets.nl Ltd has paid the party leader and party leader had also made a claim for a refund at the insurance company, verification will always take place by the insurance company of the party leader. The insurance company will always contact Skichalets.nl Ltd if a request has been submitted for a voucher or refund. In addition to criminal prosecution this insurance fraud will be announced at the database of the foundation by and for insurance companies and the party leader will be placed on a blacklist which can lead to refusal.
- If in case of cancellation Skichalets.nl Ltd has to refund any money paid by the party leader from a legal perspective and the party leader succeeds that the insurance company refunds whereby Skichalets.nl Ltd not has to refund the party leader, Skichalets.nl Ltd will give 20% discount on a next booking. The discount of 20% is based on the holiday price of the cancelled booking and is valid for redemption for the end of the winter season that follows the winter season to which the cancellation relates.